The Cancellation Diaries: Fox

Remember the classic primetime darlings Lone Star, The Playboy Club and Made in Jersey? Probably not because they were the first shows killed off from the primetime networks during the last three fall TV seasons after six whole episodes… combined. This season, we take a peek at the newest shows from each of the major networks and predict which shows will be cancelled, which will prosper and which will toe the line.

Photo: Fox

Sleepy Hollow
Premiers: Monday 9/16 at 9:00

What I couldn’t handle about this show, is what others might really, really love most. My taste in entertainment crosses genres, but Sleepy Hollow, a fantasy mystery thriller adventure drama with biblical and historical elements, is just too much. There’s definitely chemistry between Sleepy Hollow sheriff Abbie Mills (Nicole Beharie) and Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison), who happens to be recently awoken from his death that occurred 330 years earlier. But will that chemistry be enough? I’m not sure. But, what makes me roll my eyes so much about the show– specifically the Headless Horseman hoisting a machine gun – may be what garnered killer ratings during Sleepy Hollow’s premier.

Prediction: Toeing the line, but ultimately safe.

Photo: Fox

Dads
Premiers: Tuesday, 9/17 at 8:00

No, no, no, no. There was potential…Solid actors (Giovanni Ribsi and Seth Green), experienced writers and Seth MacFarlane. But, Fox delivers an unfunny, obvious sitcom with racist undertones and a ridiculous laugh track that might have time traveled from 1994. The premise behind Dads isn’t fresh, either. Two bro-ish fathers move in with their successful, video-game developer sons. It doesn’t get any more original or any funnier. Save a half hour of your life and do not watch.

Prediction: Destined for failure.

Brooklyn Nine-NinePremiers: Tuesday, 9/17 at 8:30

Andy Samberg dons a badge in his first major television role since his Saturday Night Live departure in 2012. And, you know what, he does it pretty well. It’s a police comedy – something that’s not always easy to do. Serious subject material doesn’t always mix smoothly with laughs, but this show is an exception. Goofy, but skilled Detective Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) is joined by a likable and supportive cast of characters, especially Capt. Ray Holt (Andre Braugher). The show isn’t about the crimes that are solved, but rather focuses on jokey workplace humor. We’ve seen it work time and again – Parks and Rec, The Office, 30 Rock – so could Brooklyn Nine-Nine charm its way into high ratings? All signs point to yes.

Prediction: Safe!

Photo: Fox

MasterChef JuniorPremiers: Friday, 9/27 at 8:00

Admittedly, I haven’t had the opportunity to view this pilot yet, but if it’s anything like its predecessor, Master Chef, then it shouldn’t have any problem getting picked up for the long haul. MasterChef Junior, or Junior MasterChef, already runs in 12 other countries to varied levels of success. Cooking competition shows are a unique and confusing type of program. With most competition shows – singing, dancing, modeling, fashion design – viewers can watch and use their own senses to agree or disagree with the decisions the judges make. With cooking shows, however, viewers must rely on the testimony of the judges. It shouldn’t be a recipe for success… but it continues to be. MasterChef Junior shouldn’t be an exception to this trend.

Prediction: Safe, as long as viewers set their DVRs.

What do you think, trusty viewers? Which programs will be safe, and which will be following the lead set by Lone Star, The Playboy Club and Made in Jersey? Share below!

I only watched Sleepy Hollow and I really liked it because I love the original story. But I can’t help but wonder how far it will go. The Headless Horseman already killed off a handful of people in the premiere. There won’t be anyone left!

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